Q: How do I present the scope of my study?

The scope of a study explains the extent to which the research area will be explored in the work and specifies the parameters within the study will be operating.

Basically, this means that you will have to define what the study is going to cover and what it is focusing on. Similarly, you also have to define what the study is not going to cover. This will come under the limitations. Generally, the scope of a research paper is followed by its limitations. 

As a researcher, you have to be careful when you define your scope or area of focus. Remember that if you broaden the scope too much, you might not be able to do justice to the work or it might take a very long time to complete. Consider the feasibility of your work before you write down the scope. Again, if the scope is too narrow, the findings might not be generalizable.

Typically, the information that you need to include in the scope would cover the following:

1. General purpose of the study

2. The population or sample that you are studying

3. The duration of the study

4. The topics or theories that you will discuss

5. The geographical location covered in the study

To learn in depth how you can write an engaging Introduction section, check out this course designed exclusively for researchers: How to write a strong introduction for your research paper

Related reading:

• How to write the background of your study
• 4 Step approach to writing the Introduction section of a research paper